What Are The Health Benefits Of Microgreens?

Growing microgreens

Microgreens are one of the most enjoyable gardening activities you can undertake indoors. Compared to other vegetable gardening, the results are practically rapid, and your crops are highly profitable in grocery store savings. Those who make money from your farm should seriously consider adding Microgreens to their menu. 

Microgreen nutrition 

Do not be fooled by their tiny size; microgreens are nutrient-dense. The nutritional value of microgreens varies according to the variety. However, most types are high in copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Antioxidants can also be found in microgreens. Furthermore, their nutritional content is concentrated. They have higher quantities of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins than mature greens of the same amount.

Several studies comparing microgreens to their mature green counterparts discovered that the microgreens’ nutritional contents were up to nine times higher than the mature greens. They also contain more polyphenols and other sorts of antioxidants than mature greens.

In another research study to investigate the health benefits of microgreens, scientists looked at the levels of four critical nutrients in 25 different types of microgreens, including beta-carotene, lutein, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Green daikon radish, garnet amaranth, and red cabbage microgreens had the highest levels of vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin C, according to the findings. Beta-carotene and lutein were also found to be at high levels in cilantro microgreens. These are all essential nutrients for healthy eyes and skin and cancer prevention.

Health Benefits of microgreens

Consuming any sort of vegetable has been associated with a reduced risk of acquiring various illnesses. This is due to the high levels of minerals, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds. Microgreens have similar levels of these nutrients and, in some cases, even more. As a result, they may be able to lower the risk of diseases. This section goes through some of the most important health benefits of microgreens.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for one out of six deaths. You may reduce your chances of heart disease by having more microgreen in your diet. Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in microgreens, have been related to a lower risk of heart disease. Microgreens have been shown in animal tests to help decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Red cabbage is one of the best microgreens for heart health. They have been demonstrated to cut LDL levels by 34%, weight gain by 17%, and triglycerides by 23%. While they are not a miraculous cure, they can be used with other healthy adjustments in your life, such as physical activity and a well-balanced diet, to enhance your health.

Improving Eyesight

Another health benefit of microgreens is improving eyesight function. If you frequently squint at your computer screen, you should increase your microgreen consumption to keep your eyes healthy. Lutein, a phytochemical found in microgreens, has been shown to improve visual health. According to studies, the lutein content in microgreens can aid in absorbing excessive light intensity, which many office workers believe causes migraines and headaches.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease 

Antioxidant-rich foods, mainly those high in polyphenols, may be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Microgreens are among antioxidant-rich foods.

Preventing Cancer 

Another health benefit of microgreens is their cancer prevention properties. Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, mainly those high in polyphenols, can reduce a person’s risk of certain cancers. This suggests that microgreens high in polyphenol can yield similar results.

Good for Diabetes

Antioxidants may help alleviate the type of stress that prevents sugar from properly entering cells. In laboratory experiments, fenugreek microgreens appeared to increase cellular sugar absorption by 25 to 44 percent.

Helping Digestive Issues

The high prebiotic fiber content of microgreens can assist in promoting and nourishing the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotic fibers aid in the formation of intestinal bacteria, which is linked to overall health and well-being.

Easy rainbow food

We all know we should eat a rainbow of veggies and fruits, but most of us find it challenging to do so. Eating a wide variety of microgreens is a simple way to eat the rainbow while also ensuring that your body receives the nourishment it requires and deserves. Microgreens of various colors should be consumed since different colors of fruits and vegetables reflect different phytochemicals and other sorts of micronutrients.

Lycopene, an antioxidant, is found in red vegetables. Carotenoids, such as lutein and beta carotene, are found in yellow and orange vegetables. Anthocyanin, found in purple and blue veggies, protects your cells from damage. Phytochemicals found in green vegetables include carotenoids, indoles, and saponins. Allicin, an antibacterial compound found in white and brown foods such as garlic, is found in white and brown veggies.

Conclusion

Microgreens are a relatively new nutritional trend that is now widely grown and consumed. Microgreens have a unique role in the growing interest in food due to their capacity to enhance and deepen our relationship with nature. Microgreens are sensitive, delicate, and tasty when harvested early in their life. These tiny plants have a remarkable nutritional value and provide various health benefits to humans due to their high mineral and vitamin content. The health benefits of Microgreens are numerous. Some of the important microgreen benefits are: lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and heart disease, lowering the risk of cancer, enhancing eyesight, controlling diabetes, and aiding digestion.

Reference:

Seeds, Frank. Microgreens, 2020.